How does walking benefit your heart health?
There are various things that we can do to protect our overall health. Maintaining and changing your lifestyle includes various physical activities like, healthy eating, good sleep, and reduce the consumption of alcohol are all great initiatives.
In one of the lectures by Dr. Ranjit Jagtap, he said that walking is the best exercise for heart health. It improves cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, balances overall weight and improves heart health. It is beneficial for those who have jobs that keep them sedentary for long hours.
Activities like walking offers time t have fun with friends, make healthy relationships and of course a good dose of regular exercise. One should take time to improve their cardiovascular fitness. It could be done in the form of walking. Following are some tips to strengthen your heart and prepare for walking.
- Make a proper plan
If you need extra motivation to add walking to your daily routine, then follow a proper schedule. Ask friends or your family to join you. Count your steps with the help of phone.
Set a goal to increase it each day or each week. Walk before your lunch break. If the weather is bad then you can use treadmill. If you have chronic health condition, then consult your doctor before trying any training.
- Join resistance training
Resistance training means the exercises to strengthen your muscles that will benefit your heart also. If resistance training practiced for long term it can help lower your blood pressure. This training helps to burn calories which help keep your heart healthy.
- Warm-up and stretch
Walking slowly is the best way to warm-up. Start your walk at a leisurely pace to warm up your muscles, and then pick up the speed. Simple stretching is a great way to improve flexibility, active muscles and prevent injuries. Dress lightly while practicing any kind of physical activity. Dressing heavily can cause skin irritations.
- Walk at your own pace
Walking and running are two different things. Walking is not a race. Walking fast burns more calories but that doesn’t mean you have to push yourself. Pace yourself so can you can talk with your friends. Walk safely within your target which will bring out health gains.
- Make walking comfortable
Walking is a cost-effective form of exercise. Wear sensible, comfortable, light weighted clothing. Also make sure your shoes are comfortable. Wrong type of foot wear can cause injury or blisters on your foot.
- Wear Pedometer While Walking
A pedometer is a device which measures the number of steps a person takes. It can be used to measure your movement throughout your day. This practice will motivate you more. You should at least walk 10,000 steps to achieve the goal of proper health benefits.
It is essential to know tour warning signs if you are heart patient. If you feel discomfort or heaviness on your chest, stop immediately and rest.
Walking is considered to be the key to longer life. With patience and regular practice, you will be able to work on your cardiovascular health. To improve your heart health in real, you should stop making excuses. Just get out of your comfort zone and go for a walk.
Manage your heart risks and get to know more about your heart health on Dr. Ranjit Jagtap News and know more about his work towards society. Visit him to get the right advice for your heart and make changes accordingly.
You can also visit Dr. Ranjit Jagtap Clinic, if you are struggling with any serious heart health problem. He is a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon who provides medical care and treatment all over the world.